Lest Taylor think I'm getting lax on the car, here's the latest progress (small progress, lots of effort):
1. Cooling fans are figured out. I was going to use a Taurus fan, but I just can't really fit it well without making servicing the car an SOB, so it will use the Hinson fan as a puller and a second 12" fan as a pusher to cover as much of the radiator as possible.
2. Air intake to turbo is done and installed with a filter. It's a snug fit but will clear everything. I'll take a picture tonight.
3. Starter is installed along with power from the rear bin to the starter and the starter to the alternator. I need to hook up the alternator -> fuse box lead and then the car will have power in the chassis again (with the battery in the right place). If Taylor sends me HVAC controls I can finish testing all Mazda circuits (should be good, but I like to be sure).
4. Underhood fuel system is done (minus 1 -6 AN plug). Lingenfelter kit to hold the rails right and adapt LS1 style injectors, fuel crossover, etc.
5. O2 sensors are installed.
6. Samberg bumpsteer kit is installed and rough aligned (matched the length of the stock tierod ends that were on the car).
7. Cleaned up the heater hoses and put grommets on the firewall for them.
8. Did I mention already that the clutch is in and all the missing bolts on the tranny are in place now.
9. Mocked up the charge pipes from the turbo and to the throttle body and ordered up the fittings/clamps I'll need for those. Just need an intercooler and I can get the charge pipes done.
They'll fit nicely I think.
10. Mocked up upper/lower radiator hoses. Bottom will be stainless for 95% of it, with silicone couplers on each end, top will be aluminum with about 8" of rubber on each end. No more of the bendy stainless deal that likes to pop apart under pressure.
11. Put a belt on it along with the additional pulley for good belt wrap on the water pump.
I'm sure there is more I'm forgetting. Once the fuel tank and pump get here, I can finish the fuel system, turbo oiling system (purchased those fittings today), put some fluids in the motor and make some noise. Still a lot of details to sort out, but we're in the home stretch. This is turning into a pretty nice car. I'll get some pics soon. The compare/contrast from where it started to now is rather noticeable.
